Vulnerable Minors Protection Policy:

Canterbury Volleyball does not tolerate abuse of any form, and is especially aware of creating a safe environment for children. Abuse can be expressed as deliberate neglect, bullying by peers or adults, and verbal, emotional, physical, racial or sexual abuse. Canterbury Volleyball and its affiliated clubs have a responsibility to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are established to safeguard against all forms of abuse while participating in any aspect of our sport. 

Maintaining good practices amongst coaches, officials and volunteers means: 

• The safety and wellbeing of children is paramount at all times 

• Children are treated with reasonable dignity and respect 

• Always working in an open environment and encouraging open communications  

• Check you have a list of contact details for children in your care in case of emergency

• Ensuring any form of abuse directed at a child from others is challenged 

The power and influence a coach has in a relationship with a child cannot be underestimated,  and extends beyond the court. While coaching athletes you can teach respect, teamwork, tolerance, and integrity. What coaches do and say can change the attitudes and damaging behaviours that contribute to any form of abuse. It is vital for all coaches as well as other volunteers, to recognize the responsibility that they have and ensure they do not misuse their position of power and trust. 

All coaches, official and volunteers must endeavour to: 

• Use their influence to establish a culture where children feel secure and confident. 

• Keep all communication positive and constructive. 

• Remember their position of responsibility as a mature and experienced mentor, and always  behave professionally. 

• Treat all players equally, regardless of their level or potentially. 

• Keep contact-time focused on volleyball. 

• Engage with parents where practicable, and keep communication as open as possible. 

• Report any behaviour concerns to a CVA representative as soon as they are noticed. 

• Consider the appropriateness of touch, even when correcting technique. 

• Avoid being alone with, or taking any one player away from a group setting. 

• Ensure all participants are accounted for when leaving a session.

Any coach (for any team/programme with children/teenagers) must sign the form and send it back to CVA. Complete Form Here.